We believe that a campus environment that celebrates differences in sexuality, sexual identity and gender identity is beneficial to the entire HCC community. For more information about Safe Zone, please contact committee co-chairs:

The Safe Zone Committee offers two types of educational sessions for the HCC community:

Sensitivity Training is a 30-minute informational session designed to provide basic knowledge about the LGBTQ+ community and is mandatory for all new-hire employees. All employees are invited to sign up for sessions on the Employee Training Calendar.

The Ally Workshop offers a more intensive, interactive experience for employees who wish to become allies for LGBTQ+ individuals. During this 3-hour workshop, participants are provided with more complex information, important resources, and brainstorm solutions to scenarios that were specifically developed to address experiences at Harford Community College. Employees must complete the 30-minute Sensitivity Training prior to attending. Sign-up for this workshop is on the Employee Training Calendar.

Looking for an ally? You’ve found one! The 'Safe Zone' sticker (shown above) designates an employee who has completed a 3-hour Ally Workshop and is interested in being a resource for LGBTQ+ people here at HCC. The following employees have completed the workshop:

It has been, and will continue to be, the policy of Harford Community College that all students, employees, applicants, and other persons dealing with the College will do so in an atmosphere that is free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, veteran, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information or any other status protected by law. This policy includes, but is not limited to, decisions about recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, compensation, benefits, transfers, social or recreational programs, academic opportunities and enrollment.

As part of its commitment to non-discrimination and equal employment opportunity, the College prohibits harassment of any kind. The College will not tolerate harassment by anyone-- supervisors, other employees, students, contractors, or other persons under control of the College.

In keeping with HCC’s policy of nondiscrimination on the basis of gender identity and expression, every individual has the right to choose which restroom and locker room to use based on their gender identity and comfort.

HCC’s goal is to both follow federal and state guidelines and provide a safe and inclusive environment for every person on campus. To that end, an all-inclusive, single-user restroom is available in most buildings on campus. There are many reasons a person would choose to use an all-inclusive, single-user restroom. For example, these restrooms are not gender specific, ensure accessibility for individuals with disabilities, provide privacy when assisting children and dependents, and allow for personal space and more privacy. Specifically all-inclusive, single-user restrooms are available in these locations:

Additionally, HCC is committed to include at least one all-inclusive, single-user restroom in new buildings and in buildings undergoing full scale renovations to the extent feasible.

No person can be forced to use a restroom or locker room that does not fit their gender identity, nor can they be forced to use an individual restroom or alternate facilities when others are not required to do so. However, we strive to provide options for privacy for all people. Any action against a person who is using a restroom or other facility cannot be based on their gender expression or gender identity or perceived gender expression or identity. Signs in each building provide information about all-inclusive, single-user restroom locations within buildings.

Restrooms and locker rooms can be a source of discomfort for everyone, not just transgender people. It is crucial that we ensure that all people are safe in the College’s facilities. Anyone misusing locker rooms or restrooms (e.g., to look at members of the opposite sex, or someone trying to look in or access an occupied restroom or stall) must be addressed and reported, as these are behavioral issues and are unrelated to providing people access to the facilities that match their gender identity. Students are reported on the Report Form for Code of Conduct Violation/Concerning Behavior at https://publicdocs.maxient.com/incidentreport.php?HarfordCC, employees are reported to the Human Resources Office, and visitors are reported to HCC Public Safety.

PFLAG: (community.pflag.org) Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) National is the umbrella organization for PFLAG chapters across the country.

Straight Spouse Network: (www.straightspouse.org) An international organization that provides personal, confidential support and information to heterosexual spouses/partners, current or former, of gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender mates and mixed-orientation couples for constructively resolving coming-out problems.

Trans Lifeline: (www.translifeline.org) Trans Lifeline is a non-profit organization dedicated to the well-being of transgender people. The hotline is staffed by transgender people, for transgender people. Trans Lifeline volunteers are ready to respond to whatever support needs members of the community might have.